Take a bough: Climbing takes relationship with B.C.'s trees to the next level

Ascending 50 meters into a grand fir tree offers a profound sense of stillness and a unique perspective, far removed from the world below. Tree-climbing guide Tom Zadorsky leads participants through the canopy of the University of British Columbia's Botanical Garden, using ropes and his own agility to navigate the ancient trees.

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Up here we can see the new growth. This is all from this season.

Zadorsky, a certified arborist, emphasizes that his tours are more than just an adventure; they are designed to cultivate an intimate relationship with trees. He hopes that by experiencing the forest from such a vantage point, climbers will leave with a greater understanding and engagement with British Columbia's natural environment. He points out new growth on branches, noting the refreshing renewal of the trees, especially in spring.

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I think that you bring someone up here to 40 or 50 metres off the ground, it really does leave an impression. I hope that through the discussions that we have in the canopy, people are leaving a little bit more educated and engaged.

The experience has proven deeply moving for many. Zadorsky recounts assisting a 92-year-old client, a long-time volunteer at the garden, who wept upon seeing the forest from above. He has also facilitated celebrations, including an 80th birthday party held in the trees with family members watching from below. Since launching the tours last May, Zadorsky has guided over 1,000 people.

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We’ve also celebrated a grandmother’s 80th birthday in the tree. She was up there with her grandkids and family below. So, there are a lot of moments where people are quite moved by the experience.

Experts like Guangyu Wang, associate dean at UBC's forest resources management department, highlight the importance of forest education, especially in the context of increasing wildfires. He states that improved forest literacy empowers communities to make better decisions regarding wildfire prevention, preparedness, conservation, and recovery. Dee Ann Benard, director of UBC Botanical Garden, shared a fond memory of watching the sunset over the Salish Sea from the tree canopy during one of Zadorsky's tours.

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Better forest literacy helps communities make more informed decisions about wildfire prevention, preparedness, conservation, management and recovery.